Asset protection for Gen X: why holding shares in your own name is a risk
A practical look at liability risk and how trusts can reduce exposure.
Bottom line: If you have business or professional risk, holding assets in your own name can expose them to claims. A Family Trust can act as a protective vault, and a simple DIY workflow keeps it compliant. Use the tax minimisation simulator to see the tax upside alongside the protection benefit.
Why personal ownership is exposed
When you own assets personally, they can be targeted by creditors or legal claims. This is especially relevant for professionals, business owners, and anyone with contractual risk.
How a trust changes the risk profile
- Separate ownership: Assets are owned by the trust, not by you personally.
- Controlled distributions: You can decide how income is allocated.
- Succession control: Appointors and trustees can be structured to protect legacy.
Practical example
If you are sued personally, assets held in your Family Trust are generally outside your personal estate, subject to your trust deed and legal context.
When a trust is the right move
- You run a business or operate under personal liability.
- You have dependants or plan to pass assets to children.
- You want tax flexibility as your wealth grows.
Trust management basics (DIY)
- Keep clean records of income and expenses.
- Document distributions before June 30.
- Store trustee resolutions and beneficiary statements.
About the author
Written by the Self Managed team based on practical experience with asset protection structures.
Last updated
January 2026